I still ride my personal cars, says Buhari’s wife

Wife of the President Mrs Aisha Buhari yesterday denied receiving two SUVs from Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris as alleged by Senator Isah Misau.

The senator reiterated the allegation on Wednesday when he appeared before the senate committee probing the brickbat between him and the police chief.

The senator also alleged that the IG doctored his age in his police record.
Hajia Buhari tweeted yesterday: “I still ride my personal cars.”

In another clarification Director of Information to Wife of the President, Suleiman Haruna, said in a statement:
 “Our attention has been drawn to the news being widely circulated and attributed to a member of the Senate that two SUVs from the Inspector General of Police were given to the Wife of the President Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari personally.

“The Wife of the President wants to make it clear that since the assumption of office of her husband as President of Nigeria, she did not receive these mentioned vehicles.
“Furthermore, the vehicles she is still using belong to the family and were the ones used during the campaign for 2015 elections including the one for her entourage.” it stated

The police also defended the integrity of the President’s wife, saying vehicles were given to assist the movement of the security detail posted to work with her.

Police Spokesman Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintend e said: “It is pertinent to state that at no time did the Wife of the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs

Aishat Buhari request directly or indirectly for vehicles for her use from the Inspector General of Police and no vehicle whether Jeep or SUV was ever given for her personal use.
“To set the record straight the Inspector General of Police is empowered by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Police Act and Regulations, precisely Section 215 (1)(a&b) and (2)

“The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector General Police” and the Deployment and Control of the entire Operations of the Force, including allocation of Police vehicles for operational use throughout the country shall be under the purview of the IGP.

“It is within the powers of the Inspector General of Police as stated above that when on the 17th January, 2017, SP Sani M Baba –Inna, the ADC “Wife of the President” Federal Republic of Nigeria requested for two vehicles for Police Personnel in the convoy of Wife of the President for convoy movement and security purposes.

“Two Police Vehicles  (i) A Toyota Sienna Bus with Reg. No. NPF 2406D (ii) A Toyota Hiace Bus with Reg. No. NPF 3363D were approved by the Inspector General of Police to the ADC “Wife of the President” SP Sani M Baba –Inna for the purposes requested and not to the person of the Wife of the President or for her personal use as alleged by Misau.

“The Nigeria Police Force categorically wishes to state that all the allegations made by Misau against the Inspector General of Police and the wife of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria of buying two Jeeps for the wife of the Presidents as reported in some media are baseless, untrue and done in bad faith to misinform and mislead the public.”
On IGP’s retirement age, Moshood, while displaying the copy of the letter said: “For avoidance of doubt, the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Force Secretary Office wrote the Chairman, Police Service Commission on the 18th of January, 2017 drawing the attention of the Commission to the observation on the current Staff List of Senior Police Officers whereby the date of birth of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Idris,was incorrectly stated as 3/01/1959 instead of the actual date 15/01/1959.

“All documents and records of the IGP has 15/01/1959 as his date of birth except the staff list Senior Police Officers and this is the reason why the approval of the Honourable Chairman, Police Service Commission for correction of the error was sought in this regard.
“The difference of dates between 3/01/1959 and 15/01/1959 is just 12 days which is very insignificant in 35 years that a public servant can be in service”, he said
The police also noted that the Senator refused to answer to the allegation levelled against the IG.
Moshhod said: “The Public will note that Issa Hamma Misau deliberately refused to prove the allegations he previously levelled against the Inspector General of Police on the floor of the Senate for which he was invited by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee but instead brought up other falsehoods to distract the Committee and the members of the Public.
Senator Misau took to social media to “clarify” what she said: “For the avoidance of doubt, I did not make any allegations against the person of the highly revered wife of the President Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.
“In addressing the committee, my comments referenced court documents filed in charge CR/345/17 against me at the Federal High Court by IGP Idris.
“IGP Idris leaked correspondence with Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Staff (COS), Director National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), ADC, Aisha Buhari and Chief Principal Staff Officer (CPSO) of the President to the public in documents filed at the Federal High Court.
“Shocked to find documents and minutes of the President and top government officials carelessly paraded in public by the IGP in clear breach of official secrecy, I query the motive behind such indiscretion given that the said documents have little or no bearing on the matter of malpractice.
“My submission to the committee was simply to call attention to how IGP Idris is unethically dropping named by filing secret documents in court.
“Again, I make it abundantly clear: IGP Idris submitted official documents mentioning names of respected personalities. Not me.
“I urge the press and public to be wary of any attempt to obfuscate the issues. Indeed, eternal vigilance is the price for freedom.”

Yomi Peters To Hold Album Listening Party Nov 9

Following the success of his new album, Wedding Prayers, which is currently enjoying ample airplay, top Juju music maestro, Yomi Peters, has perfected arrangement to hold his album launch on November 9, at the prestigious Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Top guns in the  entertanment industry, high society of highly caliber, captain of industries, politicians and several fans of Peters are expected to turn up for the party.

The videos  of  the album  were shot at choice locations around Lagos, including Allen Avenue, Victoria Garden City (VGC) and Lekki. In 

Wedding Prayers, aside featuring Buga of Buga fame, prominent movie stars, such as Babatunde Omidina, otherwise known as Babasuwe, Bisi Ibidapo-Ope, among others made cameo appearances.

According to an industry source, Wedding Prayers, which is a wedding song, is expected to rock the party especially  during  forthcoming yuletide  period because great job done on the album and  the massive demand of  its promotion on radio and TV has created.

Peters, while speaking on his new project and motive behind the move, said the effort is to further prove his critics wrong regarding his music prowess.

“As one of the foremost juju artistes, what I have packaged in my new album is to tell the world the stuff I am made of and to further prove my competence, capability and versatility in music"

 The album has been officially  released into the market  months back  by an international record label, MJG Records from the United States

Aare Ona Kakanfo: Gani Adams Is Right choice - Ooni

The Ooni of Ife,Oba  Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on Monday urged the newly proclaimed Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, Otunba Gani Adams to use his new position to right the wrongs in Yoruba land, even as he described him as the right choice for the position.

Ooni of Ife made the submission during a visit by the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo to him in his palace in Ile Ife.

Congratulating the Aare designate, Ooni applauded his choice and prayed that God empower him to carry out the work assigned to him to do for Yoruba land stressing that there is no doubt his choice is as a result of his antecedent as a fearless fighter for the emancipation of Yoruba interests by peaceful means.

Further stressing that partisan politics has destroyed so many things, Ooni said Aare Ona Kakanfo is a warrior who has a big role to play in the emancipation and unity of his people, hence the importance attached to the title.

In the Oba's words, the title is not a social chieftaincy title, but one with robust traditional background and expectations.

The Ooni who prayed for the new Aare that “God will continue to uplift you" explained that even though Aare Ona Kakanfo is a warrior, the "war he has to wage this time is the war for the unity of Yoruba land which you have been propagating before and you should  do more."

The Ooni said yorubas are front runners and urged the Aare to ensure the race remain a frontrunner.

"The Aare Ona Kakanfo is deep and its importance known mainly to the elders.

“Use your tenure for good, embrace both the natives and strangers among us.

“Rely on God and He will help you" the Ooni concluded

Responding, Otunba Gani Adams said he deliberately decided to make Ooni's palace his first place of official visit since his proclamation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, because of the value he attaches to Ife as his place of origin as a yoruba man and cradle of the Yoruba culture.

The Aare said the unity of the Yoruba race is Paramount to him.

Thanking the Ooni for his previous support he also sought the Oba's further support to enable him make a success of his new assignment for the Yoruba race even as he promised to further promote the Yoruba culture.

UBA Introduces Video Live Chat with Co-browsing Technology

In recent times, customer behaviour and expectations are ever-evolving and with this challenge, comes the need to meet their needs as well as ensure, new offerings are at the forefront of technological evolution. On the back of this development, UBA a leading innovative player in Financial Services is finding new ways to communicate and engage with their customers.

With the growing mobile consciousness, customer demand for online services is on the rise and it is imperative to meet this demand with digital self-service platforms. However, to meet this demand, the role of human interaction in the process cannot be underestimated. It fits into our creed to continue to foster our unlimited dedication and access to the customers.

In this regard, the United Bank of Africa, in its unrelenting effort to raise the bar, likewise the levels of ease and convenience in customer experience through innovation, has introduced Video live chat with Co-browsing technology.

Firstly it enables Customer Experience Experts to help customers in real-time, enabling a support experience centred on visual engagement. Why is this important? 65% of the world are visual learners. Not only can enquiries and issues be resolved more efficiently and swiftly, but co-browsing can complement other channels, improving the overall customer experience

Video Co-browsing enables customers to virtually have a one-on-one interface with the bank through co-browsing application via video live chat, text chat, and through real time document exchange. This makes it easier for bank staff to assist customers through a number of difficulties; from filling intricate bank forms and even helping them resolve much more complex transactions. Sometimes, the platform simply facilitates directing the customers to the exact information they need.

It provides a secure file-sharing, compliant, real-time communication solutions that enables the bank hold co-browsing sessions to expedite troubleshooting as well as ordinary enquiries.

This without a doubt moves light years ahead of the old customer service where interaction is purely through phone calls; this method which has proven to be frustrating especially when it involves fixing a problem urgently. It also comes resourcefully as a quick and easy fix for those who do not have enough time for a physical visit to the bank to take care of their transactions.

Other benefits include:

o       All session actions are accountable

o       Secure collaboration

o       Navigate the web together

o       Control access

o       Collaborate online, effectively

With this latest innovation, UBA can engage visually and digitally with customers while maintaining human interaction at any given time, in a bid to continue to virtualize customer experience. It offers faster solutions in response to customer enquiries on a more personalised basis anywhere, anytime and from any device. UBA as always, is committed to ensuring greater efficiency and better customer satisfaction. To experience the Video Love chat and Co-browsing technology, visit ubagroup.com .

 

UBA Emerges Best bank in support of Real Sector at Banking Awards

Pan-African banking group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, at the weekend was recognised for its extraordinary support of the real sector as it won best bank in the category, ahead of its peers.

 

The award, the organisers noted is in recognition of UBA’s leadership role as in expanding access to funds for the support of the real sector in Nigeria and the rest of Africa where it operates. This feat they further said has brought about unprecedented growth to the sector and by extension, the nation’s economy and that of Africa.

Speaking while receiving the prestigious award on behalf of the bank, Head Strategic Business Group, Mr. Usman Isiaka expressed appreciation to Businessday for recognising the distinctive role, UBA is playing in Nigeria as well as the African continent in driving financial inclusion coupled with its role in supporting the growth of critical sectors.

 

“The Real sector is pivotal to economic development in Nigeria and all of Africa as it forms the main driving force of any economy and its development.

We are pleased with the acknowledgement of our support to the sector. It is worthy to note that our expansion to Africa has not only helped diversify our earnings base, it has provided us with the opportunity to grow economies and partake in the development of Africa. We are grateful to all stakeholders for their support and are stimulated to do even more” he said.

Frank Aigbogun Publisher, BusinessDay, Nigeria’s leading business newspaper emphasised that the BusinessDay Banking Awards is the product of a rigorous process by BusinessDay’s Research and Intelligence Unit, designed to feed the editorial and also drive commercial research.

 

“We are motivated by philosophy that, Great institutions and leaders deserve to be recognised so as to boost healthy competition in their sector” that is why we make it a point of duty to celebrate those who make the conscious effort to stand out”, Aigbogun noted.

 

UBA was incorporated in Nigeria as a limited liability company after taking over the assets of the British and French Bank Limited who had been operating in Nigeria since 1949. The United Bank for Africa merged with Standard Trust Bank in 2005 and from a single country operation founded in 1949 in Nigeria - Africa's largest economy - UBA has become one of the leading providers of banking and other financial services on the African continent. The Bank provides services to over14 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 1,000 branches and customer touch points and robust online and mobile banking platforms.

UBA was the first Nigerian bank to make an Initial Public Offering, following its listing on the NSE in1970. It was also the first Nigerian bank to issue Global Depository Receipts. The shares of UBA are publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Bank has a well-diversified shareholder base, which includes foreign and local institutional investors, as well as individual shareholders.

 

TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION (TEF) WRAPS UP 2017 TEF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, concluded its 3^rd annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum on 14^th of October 2017 in Lagos.

 

The Forum hosted more than 1,300 participants from 54 African countries. The most diverse and inclusive gathering of African entrepreneurs on the continent, the Forum continued its strong tradition of showcasing innovation across sectors, including Agriculture, Technology, Healthcare, Fashion and Energy/Power Generation.

 

Launched in 2015, the Forum was born out of the Foundation’s $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 African entrepreneurs, over a decade, through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

 

During a powerful keynote address, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, the philanthropist and Founder who is also the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, spoke of his belief, that a vibrant African-led private sector is the key to unlocking Africa’s economic and social potential.

“Africa’s development, which must be private-sector led and entrepreneurially driven, will have at its heart, young African innovators and their transformative ideas.  Only they will create the millions of jobs Africa needs. The Forum has brought together Africa’s most important developmental force, her young entrepreneurs who will become catalysts for Africa’s economic liberation.

 

We have united the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, putting the entrepreneurs at centre stage. I want to thank those heads of government and other key policymakers, who have supported our firm belief that the private sector is the engine for growth and the private sector players, who are models of our philosophy of Africapitalism – the idea that business will drive change and that change must deliver economic and social wealth” he explained.

 

The two-day event, which involved plenary panels and masterclasses, provided the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs with a platform to network and connect with business leaders, policymakers and investors.

Focusing on the Forum’s theme of training and mentoring, speakers discussed topics that educated, empowered and inspired the entrepreneurs, addressing the key stages needed to successfully launch a business.

 

The speaking programme emphasised the Foundation’s role of uniting entrepreneurs and policymakers, as a means of ensuring that private and public sectors work together to create the best possible operating environment for entrepreneurship to thrive. Political and private sector leaders from across Africa, including HE Aminu Bello Masari, Governor, Katsina state; HE Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, Governor, Zamfara state; Mr. Lionel Zinsou, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Benin; Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Honeywell Group; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote group, directly addressed the conditions needed for stimulating entrepreneurial growth, whilst senior members of global development institutions, including Wale Ayeni, Senior Investment Office, International Finance Corporation; Stephen Tio Kauma, Director Human Resources, Afrexim Bank and Andre Hue, Deputy Country Director, Agence Française de Développement, spoke of a new paradigm, driven by the need for a private sector-led change.

“The private sector working with the public sector can achieve so much by way of development. African governments should move beyond rhetorics and implement their ideas,” Oba Otudeko enthused.

 

Addressing the 3rd cohort of TEF entrepreneurs the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said: “This generation of young people will do the exceptional. You are the reason Africa will work. The length and breadth of display of talent have shown that there is indeed hope”.

 

The Forum also witnessed multiple partnerships between United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Foundation, and between French bilateral development bank, Agence Française De Développement (AFD) and TEF. Commending both agencies for their commitment to promoting youth entrepreneurship in Africa, Elumelu called on other individuals and developmental institutions to partner with the Foundation and expand the scale of its impact. “We call on friends of Africa to partner with the Foundation, to scale our impact beyond the 1,000 entrepreneurs a year. Real opportunity exists to tap into Africa’s potential and our entrepreneurs offer a gateway to participating in both economic success and creating social wealth”.

 

TEF partners including Microsoft, Sage One and Greentec also held training workshops and side events aimed at approaches to strategically scale up business. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has proudly supported the forum.

 

$25 Billion Contract: Kachikwu’s Abuja house catches fire

The private residence of Ibe Kachikwu, minster of state for petroleum resources, caught fire on Sunday evening.

 The house is located in Asokoro, Abuja.
The fire started in his bedroom as a result of a suspected electrical fault to the air conditioners, sources in the know said.

“Kachikwu was not at home when it happened, but thankfully the fire service reacted quickly and put out the fire before things could go out of hand,” a source told TheCable.
Details are scanty on the extent of damage to the house but TheCable understands nobody was hurt in the incident.


The minister has been in the news recently over his letter to President Muhammadu Buhari in which he complained about insubordination and humiliation by Maikanti Baru, the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Blood Entertainment set for Like Buhari major release

 

Urban music label, Blood Entertainment, has announced that it’s set for the major release ofLike Buhari, a pop song by its frontline act, King Oogbodo.

According to BE, Like Buhari has been on underground promo for some time now in order to receive the proper feedback on it from music lovers and stakeholders and having obtained a pass mark on that score, it’s now time to push it massively.

The target is for it to become a worldwide hit and to that extent, a major release on all major online platforms, radio and every other form of major promotional avenue is next on the cards.

In Like Buhari, King Oogbodo sings and raps about what it feels like to be successful and rich in the mold of eminent persons like Dangote, Tinubu, Otedola, Adenuga. He also acknowledges entertainment industry icons King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Ibinabo Fiberesima who are an inspiration to him.

Like Buhari was produced by Shocker whose roster of artists includes 9ice, small DOCTOR and Klever Jay.

Nissan named one of the best global brands for 2017

The Nissan brand has been named one of the world's most valuable in 2017 by the leading consultancy Interbrand. Nissan ranks 39th in Interbrand's annual Best Global Brands study, released today. The study estimates the value of the Nissan brand at $11.534 billion. Last year, Nissan ranked 43rd with an estimated brand value of $11.066 billion.

In the study, Interbrand cites Nissan's actions to improve brand value, centered around the company's Nissan Intelligent Mobility strategy. It also singles out the customer benefits Nissan has delivered, such as its autonomous driving technologies and electric vehicles. Interbrand has recognized Nissan as one of the world's most valuable brands for seven straight years.

The recognition particularly reflects Nissan's strengthened focus on Nissan Intelligent Mobility in the past year, in which the company launched new products featuring the e-POWER series hybrid system and ProPILOT single-lane autonomous driving technology. Nissan also showcased Nissan Intelligent Mobility at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2017. On Sept. 6, Nissan unveiled the new Nissan LEAF, the second generation of the world's best-selling electric car.

"Brand power has been a consistent focus across the company for the last six years, and it's very encouraging that all our efforts continue to be recognized by this influential brand ranking," said Roel de Vries, corporate vice president and global head of marketing and brand strategy at Nissan. "The fact that we continue our growth proves that our activity focusing on Nissan Intelligent Mobility and our vision for the future of driving is appealing. With the launch of the new LEAF, we are hoping to see further improvement in our brand."

In compiling its report, Interbrand looks at the investment and management of each brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the brand’s strength.

THE MAN, PROPHET RAPHEAL AROLE ABASS BY Funsho Akinwale

Meeting Prophet Rapheal Arole Abass for the first time, is like a boat ride on a calm sea. He has been the recipient of one good news after another in recent times. His profile reads the unedited scripts of a constant champion, yet his name is synonymous with glory.

He has a reputation for distinction even in the Christendom, little wonder, he bestrides the national and international space like a colossus. All these are indeed, well deserved.

 But only a few people know that the funky prophet is what  he is today due to steadfastness, dedication to God's work and his never-say-die-spirit. Prophet Arole is a fighter when it comes to battle.

He's a retrieval of glory from witch craft, an Ambassador of Good News and to crown it all, he is a goal getter. Over two years in his ministry, our amiable prophet has made it possible for me to know God; taught me and my family how to pray and with his vibrancy and frequent all year round programmes, many yokes had been broken and while several battles had been won.

 In as much as we  believe in his calling, he would continued to be celebrated as long as he lives.

Though born without a silver spoon in his mouth, but  with dint of hard work, perseverance, tolerance, good attention to details and born to do it spirit, he has put the golden spoon in his mouth.

He is today a great achiever, a great prophet with proof who dictates the pace for others to follow.

We earnestly  hope your ministry will cuts across the world beyond your imagination. And we pray you live long to further enjoy your hard sweat. Long Live Prophet Rapheal Arole Abass, Long Live Latter DAY  Glory Ministries.

Why I Didn't Celebrate My Birthday Today-Pro Arole Abass

               

If you are one of those expecting high grand celebration from Prophet Rapheal Arole Abass for his birthday, today, you had better forget it, as the popular seer is presently before the Lord appreciating Him for his life and the ministry. 

The General Overseer of Latter Day Glory Ministries who is in a flurry of excitement at the moment while speaking on Sunday service had said he would not celebrate this year birthday as expected.
" Please brethren, this year birthday celebration will not hold with much festivity as I have resolved to pray for myself and the ministry, attaining this great height in life. "Please join me at the church arena to give thanks to the Lord, who has made it possible for me see another year of  my life. This is an opportunity many do not have, he enthused.  

Congratulations have been pouring forth for Abass from people in all walks of life, especially those whose lives he has touched in more ways than one.  

Although the top seer has informed his several fans and well-wishers that there would not be much festivities as he has channeled the celebration towards having his special day with God  and people around him to further show  love. So if you see Abass wearing a wide grin, now you know the reason.
 

Also you could feel the gaiety and glee Abass is glowing with right now in the build-up to his birthday. At his youthful age, he is one of those who frequently create fear and restlessness among his contemporaries in the Lord Vineyard, especially Celestial Church of Christ denomination because of fast pace over the years in the ministry.

To make progress we must prioritise SMEs and the Creative Sector, Elumelu Says

The Chairman of African proprietary investment company, Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, CON has called on the government to prioritise SMEs, the Creative Sector and access to electricity to drive job creation, inclusive growth and the diversification of the economy. He made this call while speaking on the topic "Opportunities, Productivity and Employment: Actualizing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan" at the opening plenary of the 23rd Nigerian Economic Summit with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Vice Chairman of General Electric, John Rice. Speaking on the topic, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated that though the government has put in place policies to drive productivity and ease of doing business in Nigeria, more still needs to be done. He cited the power sector as an area the government has consciously created initiatives to incentivise businesses along the value chain but noted that the sector lacked the right form of investments.

                                                                                                                     "Even with increasing generating capacity, Tony's company and some others have obviously improved generation capacity, and generation has improved considerably, but that last mile - distribution, is absolutely important. We need plenty of investment, especially in distribution," he said. While commending the government on its initiatives and N760billion intervention  in the power sector, Elumelu said that the sector should be market driven to create sustainability. 

He urged the government to consider recapitalizing the leveraged DISCO entities in the sector to allow capable and competent investors come in to bail out the struggling ones that are pulling the power sector  back. as these investors are  "If we fix power in Nigeria, we will increase our ease of doing business and make life significantly easier for investors, the SMES and Entrepreneurs we are trying to nurture and indeed, every Nigerian," he said.

Elumelu also identified the creative sector as having a huge potential and the capability to create millions of jobs if the government addresses its some of its critical challenges such as piracy and intellectual rights that will enable the sector flourish. Addressing the urgent need to prioritise SMEs, Elumelu noted that the country desperately needed a mechanism for job creation to address inclusiveness and sustainable development.

 

"SMEs are the engine of growth. When they succeed, they recruit, they train people and when the likes of GE come on board they have a ready ecosystem and pipeline of ‎supply chain players that will support what they are doing. To get it right we need to continue to prioritise our SMEs and improve the environment for SMEs to succeed," Elumelu said.

The Vice Chairman of General Electric (GE), John Rice, responded to the need for localisation of the       economy, urging the government to focus on improving infrastructure and the speed of government  bureaucracy to attract and retain foreign investors and partners.

 

"The government needs to begin to measure itself on speed as it begins to implement its reforms," he said.   Elumelu, who is also the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, has been a prominent advocate for an entrepreneurially and private sector-led economy as the key to unlocking growth and development. His Foundation has committed $100million to mentor, train and invest in 10,000 African SMEs over a 10-year period with 3,000 entrepreneurs incubated so far. This weekend, over 1300 entrepreneurs from 54 African countries, as well as the full African entrepreneurship ecosystem, will gather in Lagos for The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum - the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs.

 

London To Lagos: God saved me from possible plane crash –Oyedepo

THE presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, Dr. David Oyedepo, yesterday relived how he and others travelling with him escaped what he described as a “potential plane crash.”

 The bishop shared the testimony at the ‘Breakthrough Service’ held at the church’s world headquarters in Ota, Ogun State and broadcast to all the zonal centres of the church in Ota and Lagos.
Bishop Oyedepo told the congregation that the plane had a mid-air crisis, but added that “God took control and landed the plane.”

 Before he shared his testimony after the normal preaching, he was said to have read IICorinthians 1:8- 12 and asked the congregation to read those verses of the Bible when they got home.

He then led the congregation to read Psalms 52, Isaiah 52: 1-3 and Psalms 94: 1-3, which talks about God’s vengeance against the wicked.

The bishop then told the congregation how God miraculously delivered him and the others when the plane ran into turbulence. He said:

“There was a mid-air crisis, there was serious turbulence, but there was no apprehension. Jesus took control. He landed the plane safely.

And we were just celebrating the faithfulness of God.” Although he did not disclose where he was going or coming from when the incident happened, a source told us that he might have been returning from London.

He, however, said he would give the details of the incident tomorrow at a thanksgiving service. After sharing the testimony, the bishop, who was said to be his vivacious self throughout, led the congregation to sing a thanksgiving chorus: Almighty God, all powerful God; you are worthy to receive all our praise, you reign forever more.

The Deputy President of the church, Bishop David Abioye, and other top pastors joined Bishop Oyedepo on the altar to dance in a wild praise and singing session.

Tagbo 'S Death Saga: Yes, I dated Tagbo, says Caroline Danjuma

More facts have emerged concerning the death of Tagbo, a member of hip hop singer, Davido’s crew.  It has been revealed that he was in a romantic relationship with the singer’s accuser, Caroline Danjuma.

Although the actress has cleared the air that she is not accusing Davido of killing Tagbo, she however states that he has a case to answer as regards his whereabouts.
In an interview with a popular blog, Caroline maintained that she accused Davido of dumping

Tagbo’s body at a general hospital, after he allegedly died in his (Davido’s) car.
She said: “Firstly, I would like to address this whole razzmatazz about David killing Tagbo and that I said so. I never said (that Davido killed Tagbo),  but yes, I did call out Davido to know the whereabouts of Tagbo, but I never said he killed him. I never used the words  ‘killed Tagbo’.”

She further stated that an eyewitness confirmed that Tagbo and Davido fought, before the deceased was locked in the car where he allegedly died.

“After we heard that Tagbo’s body was in Lagos Island Hospital, Davido’s crew refused to give any information and this was about past 7pm. I contacted someone who remembered seeing Davido and
Tagbo, and remembered there was a fight. This person also told me there was a bet and said the same thing my neighbour said but said 30 shots and not 50.”
Speaking further, she claimed that Tagbo drank the tequila and got intoxicated and wanted to drive his car but Davido refused and said Tagbo should stay with him.

“That was what I heard and that they drove to G12 Beach and got out leaving Tagbo in the car all locked up. He said one of the crew members came back and saw Tagbo gasping for air. This was the info they spread out there from a supposed eyewitness,” she was reported to have claimed.
On her relationship with the deceased, Caroline said that he was her lover but not the father of her daughter as was being speculated. She added that she only met him after her divorce, when her daughter was three years old.

“I met Tagbo when I was legally divorced and out of my ex’s house to start a new life…Yes we were dating.

“My daughter is three years old and I only met Tagbo last year, so it’s not possible that Tagbo is the father of Elizabeth.”
Meanwhile , the Lagos Police as at yesterday,  said the autopsy report was not out.

Acting Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal told The Nation that further actions could only be taken  on the case when the autopsy result was out.

According to him, there was nothing anyone could do unless the cause of death was known.
He said: “We have already done what is necessary. Tagbo’s girlfriend lodged a complaint suspecting foul play in his death. We invited all parties some days back and sued for peace. An autopsy has been carried out and we

Breasts are no big deal, yank them off if they’re cancerous —Ondo First Lady Akeredolu

Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the wife of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN). She is also the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN). She spoke with reporters in Akure on her advocacy programme on breast cancer treatment and other salient issues. DAMISI OJO was there.
What actually informed the birth of BRECAN and how far you have gone on its advocacy?
I am a breast cancer survivor of 20 years now and still counting. It all started in 1997 when I was diagnosed with it.
I never knew anyone who had that experience except the little information I got from Cable TV then, Midlands, CNN, Skynews. It was not something we were familiar with. Very little was reported in the media. On that fateful morning when I felt something in my breast, of course, my mind raced to breast cancer because I knew where such disease was located. I was scared, not knowing what to do. It happened while I was resting at home during my annual leave.

 I was thinking that if this happened to be breast cancer, what was I going to do at that age? I was 42 or 43 years and I had little children. What would become of my children? I kept it to myself for almost one week as I didn’t know what to do.

My baby was just four or thereabout. So, I just tuned to television that morning and heard that “this programme could save your life”.Immediately I heard that, I just raised myself from the pillow and now sat and was wondering what could this be? And it happened to be about breast cancer survivors’ journey. That kind of coincidence, I don’t know. It was what was meant to be, and it really saved my life.
There was this white woman on the Rolando Show, and it was her journey through breast cancer diagnosis, and she happened to be the mother of popular Hollywood actors, the Baldwin Brothers. They are very popular in Hollywood. She went through the treatment and then she could call herself a survivor and was sharing her experience for the whole world to listen.

She used the chronicle of her journey to lift the spirits of those that were undergoing such experience, and I benefitted from it. How? After listening to the programme, I quickly summoned courage to go to the hospital.
I said whatever this woman did, I would be like her. It was after the examination by the doctor, who again confirmed that there was a lump. But even at that stage, he didn’t know what it was

. I want to quickly emphasise something at this juncture: it is part of awareness campaign.

When women notice a lump, they don’t know what that lump is until you see a doctor and he would recommend a test. It is after that test you now know whether what you have is a cancerous lump or a benign lump.

We got to know that there are two types of lump: the benign one, which is not cancerous, and the cancerous one. But you never can tell the cancerous one until a test is conducted.

 It is very important. When I told my husband, he was scared, but he didn’t know that I had been fortified by that television I watched, and that was it. I think he must have wondered where I gathered the strength from, because I was on my feet and already prepared that whatever that woman did, I was going to do and get well.

From then, my treatment commenced. The next thing, what is the next line of treatment? That would be mastectomy. By then, breast health care was at the rudimentary level in 1997. So, it was still the same radical mastectomy; total removal of the breast. I said remove the damn thing if that is what will make me live, and we did that. The rest is history.

 What message does your courage to survive the disease portend? Like I always tell women, surviving breast cancer is all about attitude. Losing a breast, it can be very difficult for some women. Immediately they are told they are going to lose their breasts, they are already gone.

They are consumed with the thought that their husband would marry another woman who has two breasts.
The thought of losing your husband should not be on the radar. They should be more concerned about surviving for the sake of their children.

 They must do everything to live and take care of the children because they could not tell the character of the woman that would be married to take care of their children after their death. So when women reject mastectomy and run to a pastor who will be giving them holy water or Jerusalem oil to rub because they don’t want to lose their breasts, and at the end of the day, they come back with decayed breast, which one will anyone choose? Is it not better you lose your breasts, live and be well for your children and husband than you are pre-occupied that your husband will leave you and marry someone else? You have to live before you talk about enjoying marriage.

One comes before the other. Being one-breasted does not really define you. Like I told a

woman, when your husband saw you, he never saw your nakedness.

Even after mastectomy, you can still have a baby. You can breastfeed with one breast. But you must be alive to do this. So, I had successful treatment and everything done by UCH. I didn’t go anywhere.
That also brings us to the point that the country doesn’t know what they have because we have everything to make this country great. I think those that are taking the decisions are the ones that are not thinking highly of what this nation can be.

 When I had my surgery, there was petrol scarcity.

We bought fuel in a jerry-can and went to my consultant to give him to use because I needed to get rid of this thing. I was lucky mine was found at stage one. It took me one week and I went to the hospital.
There were some other women, because it was not painful, they just carried on, not knowing that they had a bomb in them waiting for explosion. Unfortunately, over 80 per cent of late stages of breast cancer is what we see in the hospital nationwide. Awareness during pink October is not enough. There is need for structured and sustained awareness for our women to understand the behaviour of this disease. If you don’t explain to them, they will keep thinking it is juju and spiritual attack. It is when you have a robust awareness campaign and consistency too, like what was done to HIV/AIDS. I think we should bring breast cancer to that level and keep talking about it.

A woman must be familiar with her breasts. If they are not familiar with how their breasts look like or feel like, there is no way they can notice any unusual change. When you tell our women to do this, they will tell you God forbid or they are covered by the blood of Jesus, they are daughters of Zion. We must figure how we explain it to our women, especially those who are not highly literate. We should bring it down to our people.

We need to bring it down to our people so that they don’t have to waste their time at praying mountains. Science is science. We can still break it down to the language they understand. In China today, everything is expressed in Chinese; the same thing with most of these Asian countries. They have advanced in everything, technology and so on, within the context of their culture, including language.

The science that is being taught in English Language, they brought it down to their local languages. Nobody should think that breaking down science in our local languages is difficult. It is a matter of political will so that people will understand what is going on and take advantage of knowledge. That is why people like us who survived and are still living normal, productive life, there is need to put our faces on breast cancer so that people know that they can survive it. It is not a death sentence.

Court dissolves Toke Makinwa’s marriage

The three-year-old marriage between a popular radio presenter, Omotoke Makinwa and her estranged husband, Maje Ayida has hit the rocks.

An Igbosere High Court in Lagos on Thursday dissolved the union.
Makinwa, is the co-host of the ‘Morning Drive’ on Rhythm 93.7FM, a blogger and an author.
She had on March 9, 2016, asked the court to dissolve the marriage on the grounds that the husband committed adultery.

Justice Morenike Obadina, while delivering judgment held that Ayida filed an answer to the petition but did not give oral evidence in support of it.
She said the position of the law was settled as pleadings did not amount to evidence.
“Pleadings on which no evidence was led are deemed abandoned. Therefore, Ayida’s evidence is deemed abandoned.

Toke Makinwa and Maje Ayida

The three-year-old marriage between a popular radio presenter, Omotoke Makinwa and her estranged husband, Maje Ayida has hit the rocks.
An Igbosere High Court in Lagos on Thursday dissolved the union.
Makinwa, is the co-host of the ‘Morning Drive’ on Rhythm 93.7FM, a blogger and an author.
She had on March 9, 2016, asked the court to dissolve the marriage on the grounds that the husband committed adultery.

Justice Morenike Obadina, while delivering judgment held that Ayida filed an answer to the petition but did not give oral evidence in support of it.
She said the position of the law was settled as pleadings did not amount to evidence.
“Pleadings on which no evidence was led are deemed abandoned. Therefore, Ayida’s evidence is deemed abandoned.

“The effect being that the petitioner’s evidence is unchallenged and uncontroverted,’’ she ruled.
The judge said the issue of cruelty which the petitioner (Makinwa) relied on was established because of the “mental and emotional stress” she was subjected to by her husband.
He said Makinwa had sufficiently proven that the husband committed adultery and continued to flaunt his adulterous relationships even to her face.

“I hold that the marriage has broken down on grounds of intolerable behaviour.
“I hereby pronounce a `Decree Nisi’ dissolving the marriage between Makinwa and Ayida which was administered at the Federal Marriage Registry, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Jan. 15, 2014.
“The order Nisi shall become absolute three months from today unless within that period sufficient cause is shown why it should not be made absolute,” Obadina said.
Makinwa had told the court that her husband committed adultery with his mistress, Anita Solomon, adding that the relationship produced a child.

She said since their marriage was contracted, the husband had “behaved in a way she could not reasonably be expected to continue to bear”.
She also said the husband was cruel towards her, adding that their differences became irreconcilable.

During the trial, the petitioner (Makinwa ) testified in court and tendered some documents including their marriage certificate which were admitted in evidence.
In her testimony, she said that after their marriage was contracted in 2014, cohabitation with her husband ceased on Nov. 8, 2015, without any child from the marriage.
She also told the court of an instance where her husband threatened separation and even drafted a separation agreement because she discovered that he bought a ticket for his mistress to travel to London.

The first respondent (Ayida) who replied to the petition when served, however, instructed his counsel, Mr T. O. Lawal, not to continue with the defence.
Ayida through his counsel, therefore, foreclosed all evidence.
The mistress (Solomon), who is the second respondent, refused to join issues with the petitioner.

Buhari under pressure over $25b NNPC deals, others

President Muhammadu Buhari was under pressure yesterday to get to the bottom of the $25 billion contracts row and other matters at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Minister of State for Petroleum Ibe Kachikwu, in a letter to the President, alleged that NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD) Maikanti Baru

• awarded $25b contracts unilaterally
• ran a ‘bravado management’, sidelining the board and the minister; and
• made key appointments without consultations.

The President was scheduled to meet Dr. Kachikwu yesterday, but the meeting was put off. “It is rescheduled for today”, a source told The Nation last night.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) are pushing for Baru’s probe. He is yet to speak on the allegations.

The popular questions being asked on the matter are:

• Will Buhari force a review of the $25b contracts?
• Will the President ask Baru to step down pending an investigation into the allegations?
• Will the recent reorganisation and appointments made by Baru stand?
• Who are the officials blocking Kachikwu from seeing Buhari?

NLC President Ayuba Wabba, in an interview, said the issues raised by the minister
He said: “The issue is under some investigation and I think there should be an opportunity to interrogate the process and at the end of the day, let us know the veracity and facts of the issue. We have made this issue quite clear and loud that part of our challenge is how we are able to imbibe the process of good governance, transparency and accountability.
“Some of the issues bother on this critical idea of ensuring that there is good governance in place. Our hope is that this issue will be thoroughly investigated and concluded at the end of the day. Let us hear what the issues are as well as the fact of the matter. Once we get the facts, we will then be able to make a conclusion.”
ANEEJ Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor, in a statement in Abuja, applauded the Senate for launching a probe into Kachikwu’s allegations.
Ugolor said: “Since the Senate has waded into the matter, we suggest that Mr. President as well must invite the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, to carry out a comprehensive and forensic audit of the allegations.
“Among statutory functions of the NEITI include the regulation of matters related to due process in the award of contracts in the extractive sector of the Nigerian sector.
”We believe that the inconsistencies being thrown up by the startling revelations from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources include some of the issues which the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill seeks to address and redress.”

SERAP said Buhari must use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently refer the allegations of corruption and abuse of office against Mr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation, and if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, for him to face prosecution”.

The organisation urged Buhari to “suspend Mr Baru, pending the referral to the EFCC and ICPC, and the outcome of any investigation by the anti-corruption agencies in order not to create the impression that your government is treating Mr Baru as a sacred cow. We urge you not to allow the allegations against Mr Baru go the way of past inconclusive investigations of allegations of massive corruption within the NNPC”.
NEITI Technical Adviser Dr. Dauda Garuba urged the President to wade into the crisis because $25 billion is too huge an amount to consummate its contract without due process.
must be verified.
He said: “Whichever way one looks at it, N25 billion is too huge an amount to  build contracts around without due process. We are supposed to be a country guided by rules and procedures. We must make Nigeria work.”
Garuba said that if it is established that there are infractions as alleged by the Minister of States for Petroleum Resources, the necessary sanctions must be deployed.
He insisted that Mr. President must demonstrate that he meant business when he promised Nigerians to reform the oil sector.

He said: “I must say that it is unfortunate that the Nigeria public is being unenviably treated to unpleasant developments in the oil sector. If you ask me, this is coming at a wrong time in our history. Just when we are expecting a reform of the sector so that it can deliver the country out of the wounds, we are having to deal with this.”
The PDP called for Baru’s suspension. The party warned the President against shielding Baru and others involved in the alleged scam.

The party urged the President to treat Baru and others involved in the scandal the same way he treated  the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and many others involved in the $2 billion arms purchase scandal perpetrated during the last administration.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye urged Buhari to live above board by instituting proper investigation into the scam.
“As a political party, we expect that the President, who prides himself as an indefatigable corruption fighter, would for once try to live above board, by genuinely allowing one of his own, accused of corruption, get properly investigated and prosecuted as a show of his impartiality in the war against corruption.
“He should do this to correct the open impression Nigerians have about his so called anti-corruption war; that it’s just a tool of persecution of perceived enemies”, Adeyeye said.

The PDP spokesman added: “We view the allegations levelled against Baru by Kachikwu as too grave to be swept under the carpet and we insist that the NNPC GMD must be treated like an accused who should not have the opportunity to influence investigation into his alleged misdeeds.
“In this light, we demand an immediate suspension of the NNPC GMD so that proper investigation can be carried out by the relevant anti-corruption agencies.”

Ohanaeze: Igbo should forget Biafra

The Southeast should forget the agitation for Biafra, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said yesterday.
The Igbo should work towards the restructuring of Nigeria, their apex socio-cultural organisation said.
“We should forget Biafra and insist on restructuring. There is no Igbo person that is happy with the situation of things in Nigeria. We must seek peaceful ways of resolving the issues,” Ohanaeze President John Nwodo said.
He spoke in Umuahis during the inauguration of the state and local government executives of the Abia State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Nwodo said elders warned Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu against the manner he was going about his agitation for Biafra, but he did not listen.
To the Ohanaeze leader, restoration of Biafra was a tall order, given the constitutional roadblocks which, he said, will not be in the overall interest of Ndigbo in their socio-economic and political relationships with other Nigerians.
He said while youths were justified in expressing their anger at Ndigbo’s marginalisation in national affairs, Nwodo said they should moderate their actions and words. Hate speeches would not resolve any problem, Nwodo said.
The Ohaneze leader spoke of how elders told Kanu and his other IPOB members to tone down their words and desist from denigrating people and groups.
He also said Kanu was told that his insistence on Biafra and boycott of the November 18 election in Anambra State were not acceptable to Ndigbo, hence he should abandon his rigid position and join in the quest for restructuring.
Nwodo justified the proscription of IPOB by the Governors Forum, explaining that what the state chief executives did was to stop IPOB from engaging in its public activities that could spark fatal clashes with security agencies.
He said without the action taken by the governors of the Southeast, that the zone would still have been engulfed in bloodshed, adding that he would not sit by and allow the youth to be cut down prematurely.
Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said Nigeria and the world were passing through perilous times, hence the need to seek peace.
Ikpeazu said: “We believe in justice, equity and fairness. I believe in ‘live and let live’, as nobody delights in being oppressed.”
He advised Igbo youths to respect leaders and listen to advice of elders instead of embarking on agitation to express their frustration.
Ikpeazu said henceforth, youths and any Igbo person or group with grievances should complain to Ohaneze which is in a position to take the matter up with the appropriate authorities.
Abia State President of Ohaneze, Mr. Chimaobim Ajuzieogu said the organisation would “no longer sit on the fence; neither shall we continue to observe as spectators in the affairs that affect us”.
Ajuzieogu said the new leadership of Ohaneze in the state would strive hard to restore the value system of Ndigbo through massive media campaigns, adding that Nwodo should be praised for the “revivalist strategy” he had adopted.
Elder statesman Emmanuel Adaelu, who chaired  the occasion, called for unity among Ndigbo, saying that the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo should be recognised as the voice of the Igbo and no group should try to usurp that authority.
Nwodo also expressed dismay over the spate of hate speech on social media platforms by Igbo youths under the guise of agitating for Biafra.
He said making inciting speeches was capable of causing crisis which could lead to mass violence in the nation, adding that it was pertinent to respect constituted authorities.
Nwodo said the first hand experience that he had during the civil war had given him an understanding of the throes of war, adding that no nation had fought two wars and survived.
“There are 11.6 million Igbo people living in the North and it will be wise for Igbo people living in the South-East and elsewhere to put them into consideration while speaking or engaging in certain activities.
“I urge Igbo youths to desist from activities and comments  that could spark violence in the nation. At the moment what  Igbo people need to fight for is restructuring of  the nation.
“Ohanaeze is in an era of transparency. I assure you that we have not relented in speaking for the Igbo people,especially in the area of restructuring for the benefit of Igbo people.”

Gernot Rohr plans big surprise for Zambia

 • Chipolopolo sweat over ‘injured’ Mweene, Daka

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will not play same formation and style that helped them pick a win and a draw against Cameroun in their last World Cup 2018 Qualifiers against Zambia, reports owngoalnigeria.com.

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr said during the team’s pre-match conference yesterday that Zambia would be in for a rude shock if they expected Nigeria to adopt the same formation that decimated Cameroun in the previous rounds.Victory will see Nigeria gain an unassailable 13 points, which will be good enough for them to progress to the World Cup as group winners with a game to spare‎.
The 4-0 win and 1-1 draw against Cameroon helped the Eagles to confirm their leadership of the group, but Rohr says they will change the formation that helped them in the games against Cameroon for obvious reasons.
“We know our style that helped us against Cameroun, and we would love to play the same style again, but we know it will be more difficult to do it against Zambia.

“They (Zambia) already know us and our style from the game against Cameroun. So we have to have a good preparation and also change tactics, also to be more dangerous and to be able to surprise them,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Zambia are sweating on the fitness of two of their key players after both players pulled out of their morning training session in Abuja at the astro turf of the FIFA goal project, package B of the National Stadium.

The Chipolopolo had their first training session in Abuja before heading to Uyo, the venue of Saturday’s game ‎against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the race to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.Already, Zambia have been hard hit by injury ‎in the build up to the game and it got worse for them yesterday when first choice goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene left the training session few minutes after it started, clutching onto his left thigh in agony.
Mweene apparently injured himself when he made a full length dive to save a shot during the team’s shooting practices, and the Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper, who is only returning from injury had to watch the rest of the session from the sidelines.

The rave of the moment in Zambian football, Patson Daka was next to depart the session halfway as the Red Bull Salzburg forward ‎suffered what looked like a knee injury shortly after the team started light jogging.Daka was examined by the team doctor, and after a while had to resort to training alone as he did not look entirely comfortable to take part in the full scale contact training the rest of the team had.The degree of the injury suffered by the duo is still unknown as no member of the Chipolopolo team was willing to discuss the issue after training.